Mounjaro Injections
(£34.75/dose)
In stock
from £139.00
Weight Loss Injections in the UK
Weight loss injections are prescription weight loss medications that you usually inject into your abdomen, thigh or upper arm. These injections work by controlling your appetite and help you lose weight by reducing the amount of food you need to eat to feel full.
The only weight loss injections currently licensed in the UK are Wegovy, Nevolat (generic liraglutide) and Mounjaro, but there are a number of other injections that may help with weight loss that are not yet available or licensed in the UK and that may be available later.
Medically reviewed by
Dr Zoe MillerLast reviewed: 27 Feb 2025
What's on This Page?
- 1. What are weight loss injections?
- 2. What is the best injection for weight loss?
- 3. How do weight loss injections work?
- 4. How long does it take for weight loss injections to work?
- 5. What happens when you stop taking weight loss injections?
- 6. Efficacy and benefits of weight loss injections
- 7. Do weight loss injections work for everyone?
- 8. What is the safest weight loss injection?
- 9. What weight loss injection has the best reviews?
- 10. Where can I buy weight loss injections in the UK?
- 11. We want to provide you with long-term support during your weight loss journey
- 12. Can you get weight loss injections on the NHS?
- 13. Weight loss injections reviews
- 14. Weight loss injections vs pills
- 15. Which weight loss injection should I choose?
- 16. Frequently asked questions
What are weight loss injections?
Weight loss injections are weight loss medications that you can safely self-inject daily or weekly, depending on your prescription. They can help you to lose weight by making you feel fuller for longer after you eat, allowing you to control your appetite and achieve your weight loss treatment goals.
Weight loss injections currently available in the UK are:
- Mounjaro
- Wegovy
- liraglutide (generic version of Saxenda)
What weight loss injections are available in the UK?
Wegovy (semaglutide)
Wegovy is an injection for weight loss that contains an active ingredient called semaglutide, a medication that mimics a naturally occurring hormone produced in the intestines called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). This hormone helps you regulate your appetite and tells your brain you’re full up, so you find it easier to eat less. Wegovy is injected once per week.
Mounjaro (tirzepatide)
Mounjaro is an injection taken once per week that contains the active ingredient tirzepatide. Tirzepatide is both a long-acting GIP receptor (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and a GLP-1 receptor agonist meaning it mimics their actions in your body. Both hormones work to:
- increase the secretion of insulin and your body’s sensitivity to it
- suppress the secretion of glucagon, a hormone increasing blood sugar
- suppress appetite
- slow gastric emptying
Mounjaro is used to treat type 2 diabetes as well as weight loss and can be prescribed online by our doctors for weight loss.
Saxenda (liraglutide)
Saxenda is a weight loss injection that works similarly to Wegovy. Saxenda contains the active ingredient liraglutide, which also behaves like the hormone GLP-1 and works by affecting the areas in your brain that control appetite. This makes you less hungry, so you can eat less. It is injected once a day. It is now long term out of stock.
Nevolat (liraglutide)
Nevolat is the generic version of Saxenda. It contains liraglutide and works in the exact same way it just has a different name, price and packaging.
Ozempic (semaglutide)
Ozempic is a prescription injection for those with type 2 diabetes which helps to regulate your blood sugar level. It uses the same active ingredient as Wegovy (semaglutide), but it is only approved for type 2 diabetes and not as a weight loss treatment. It is also prescribed at a lower dosage, so it is less effective as a weight loss medication for most people than Wegovy.
Victoza (liraglutide)
Victoza is a prescription anti-diabetic injection that contains the same active ingredient as Saxenda (liraglutide). Victoza is only prescribed for type 2 diabetes, and is not available as a treatment for weight loss.
Zepbound (tirzepatide)
Zepbound is a prescription injection that contains the active ingredient tirzepatide, the same as Mounjaro. It is not licensed for use in the UK however Zepbound and Mounjaro are effectively the same medication. Zepbound is approved for weight loss treatment in other countries, while Mounjaro is approved for type 2 diabetes and weight loss in the UK. Mounjaro helps you lose weight similarly to Wegovy and Saxenda, by reducing your appetite and helping you eat less.
What is the best injection for weight loss?
Mounjaro showed the highest potential weight loss during clinical trials – 22.5% of starting weight. However, everybody’s weight loss journey looks different. What may be an effective weight loss injection for you, might be a not quite so effective treatment for somebody else. When thinking about which weight loss injection to choose it can be difficult, which is why it is important to consider all information and factors.
We’ve compared liraglutide (generic Saxenda), Wegovy, and Mounjaro so that you can go forth and make the right decision on which solution is right for you.
What is the most effective weight loss injection?
Weight loss injections work differently for everyone. Based on clinical trials, with:
- Mounjaro – patients lost up to 22.5% of their weight in 72 weeks on the 15mg maintenance dose
- Wegovy – patients lost up to 14.9% of their weight in 68 weeks on the maintenance dose
- liraglutide – patients lost up to an average of 8% of their body weight in 56 weeks on the maintenance dose
Based on clinical studies, Mounjaro is the most effective over time. However, this does not necessarily mean that it is right for you if you have tried it and it has not worked. Your doctor can assess your health requirements and recommend a treatment which should work best for you.
What is the cheapest weight loss injection?
At ZAVA, Mounjaro and Wegovy are the same price to get you started:
As you work your way through the dosages up to your maintenance dose, this adapts, but Wegovy and Mounjaro have similar prices:
Mounjaro Price List:
| Pack Size | Price |
|---|---|
| Mounjaro 2.5 mg - 1 pen - 4 dose(s) | £139.00 |
| Mounjaro 5 mg - 1 pen - 4 dose(s) | £139.00 |
| Mounjaro 7.5 mg - 1 pen - 4 dose(s) | £169.00 |
| Mounjaro 10 mg - 1 pen - 4 dose(s) | £189.00 |
| Mounjaro 12.5 mg - 1 pen - 4 dose(s) | £204.00 |
| Mounjaro 15 mg - 1 pen - 4 dose(s) | £204.00 |
| Starter Bundle 2.5 and 5 mg - 2 pens - 8 dose(s) | £275.00 |
| Starter Bundle 2.5, 5 and 7.5 mg - 3 pens - 12 dose(s) | £439.00 |
Mounjaro is slightly cheaper than Wegovy if you choose to move up to higher maintenance doses during the course of your treatment. There are also starter bundles available for Mounjaro with ZAVA which can lessen the cost of your treatment.
Wegovy Price List
| Pack Size | Price |
|---|---|
| Wegovy 0.25 mg - 4 dose(s) - 1 pen | £124.00 |
| Wegovy 0.5 mg - 4 dose(s) - 1 pen | £169.00 |
| Wegovy 1 mg - 4 dose(s) - 1 pen | £169.00 |
| Wegovy 1.7 mg - 4 dose(s) - 1 pen | £224.00 |
| Wegovy 2.4 mg - 4 dose(s) - 1 pen | £269.00 |
| Wegovy 0.25 & 0.5 mg - 8 dose(s) - 2 pens (bundle) | £274.00 |
| Wegovy 0.25, 0.5 & 1 mg - 12 dose(s) - 3 pens (bundle) | £429.00 |
Generic liraglutide (formerly used in Saxenda) is now available under the name Nevolat. Mounjaro and Nevolat are similarly priced.
Are weight loss tablets cheaper than weight loss injections?
If you are considering weight loss treatment but feel that the cost of weight loss injections might prevent you from starting your journey, weight loss tablets might be a more cost-effective option to consider.
Although weight loss tablets are clinically proven to be less effective, they are cheaper to buy.
Orlistat
Orlistat is a prescription-only treatment and is available for different prices over 2 weeks and 1 month:
| Pack Size | Price |
|---|---|
| 120 mg - 42 capsule(s) - 2 weeks | £24.99 |
| 120 mg - 84 capsule(s) - 1 month | £45.00 |
Xenical
Xenical is a prescription-only treatment. It is the generic version of orlistat, this means it works in exactly the same way to block your body from absorbing fat from food, it just has a different name, price, and packaging. Xenical is available for:
| Pack Size | Price |
|---|---|
| 120 mg - 84 capsule(s) - 1 month | £59.95 |
alli works in exactly the same way as orlistat and Xenical, only it is available to request over-the-counter too; alli is available for:
| Pack Size | Price |
|---|---|
| 60 mg - 84 capsule(s) | £129.00 |
| 60 mg - 168 capsule(s) | £168.00 |
How do weight loss injections work?
Injections for weight loss contain ingredients that belong to a family of medications called GLP-1 receptor agonists, which replicate the effects of a naturally occurring hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). This hormone helps to regulate your blood sugar levels and also affects parts of your brain that control your appetite. This is why these medications that are prescribed for type 2 diabetes can also be effective for weight loss.
Weight loss injections are also appetite suppressants, which mean that they work by reducing your appetite too, so you do not need to eat as much to feel full and satisfied after a meal. It also helps reduce the likelihood you will snack in between meals, as you will feel fuller. This helps you to reduce your caloric intake, as you are eating less.
How long does it take for weight loss injections to work?
You may notice a change to your appetite after your first dose. Most people will notice a reduced appetite within the first few weeks. Weight loss itself will take longer to become noticeable. After about 12 weeks, you should notice some weight loss but it takes longer for the full effect of treatment to be seen. Many studies check for results after 68 weeks of treatment.
How to take weight loss injections
Your doctor should inform you how to use your weight loss injection. Whether you are prescribed Wegovy, Mounjaro or liraglutide, the way you take them is simple, there is full information on how to take your medication in the patient information leaflet and instruction leaflets provided.
All of the weight loss injections vary depending on the:
- dosage
- how often to inject
- type of injection pen
At a glance comparison:
| Mounjaro | Wegovy | Liraglutide | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Where can I inject? | Abdomen, upper arms, or upper legs | Upper legs, stomach (5cm to your belly button), upper arm | Abdomen, front of thighs, or upper arms |
| What dosages are available? | 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, 15 mg | 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.7 mg, 2.4 mg | 0.6 mg, 1.2 mg, 1.8 mg, 2.4 mg, 3 mg |
| Taken weekly or daily? | Weekly | Weekly | Daily |
Preparing to take your weight loss injection
When you receive your prescribed treatment, your instruction leaflet and patient information leaflet will be provided with it.
It is important to take your treatment as instructed by your doctor, this means following the dosage schedule. You must check that you have been given the correct dosage and it is within date, and inspect your medication for any damage before injecting.
When choosing where to inject your medication each week, it's recommended to rotate around the section of skin you use to avoid injection site reactions such as itching, rashes, or redness.
Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly before injecting your medication.
How to use weight loss injections
Mounjaro
1.Wipe the inner red seal with the swab.
2. Select a pen needle, always use a new needle for each injection, ensure it is not broken or bent and remove the paper tab from the outer needle shield.
3. Push the capped needle straight onto the pen and turn it clockwise until it’s tightly secured onto the pen.
4. Remove the outer needle shield and place it to one side (you will need this later) and remove the inner needle shield, you can throw this into your household waste bin.
5. Now, prime your pen by slowly turning the dose knob until you hear 2 clicks and the extended line is displayed in the dose window. If needed, you can turn the dose knob in either direction until it lines up with the dose indicator. Holding your pen so the needle is pointing up in the air, gently tap the cartridge holder to send air bubbles to the top. Then, release some medicine into the air by pushing the dose knob until it stops, then slowly count to 5 while holding the dose knob.
The ‘0’ icon should be displayed in the dose window. If it does not appear, follow the priming instructions again with a new needle and follow any additional instructions that come with your injections. Do not inject the priming dose into your body. Once a small amount of medication is released from the tip of the pen, this means your pen is primed.
6. Choose your injection site.
7. Turn the dose knob until it stops and the 1 icon is displayed in the dose window (representing a fulldose of the amount written on the pen).
8. Insert the needle into your skin at your chosen injection site and push the dose knob until it stops.
9. Slowly count to 5 while holding the dose knob in, check the ‘0’ icon is shown in the dose window before removing the needle.
10. Once done, pull the needle from your skin (it is normal to see a small drop of medicine at the end of the needle after removal – it will not affect your treatment).
If you do not see a ‘0’ icon you’ll need to insert the needle back into your skin to ensure you have received your full dose, but do not redial the dose to release the next dosage. After you have completed your injection dose, you can carefully replace the outer needle shield onto the needle and discard it in your sharps bin, replace the pen cap and store your pen away safely.
If you see blood after you pull out the needle, lightly press the injection site with gauze or a cotton ball. Do not rub the injection site.
Wegovy
1.Check through your Wegovy pen window that the solution is clear and does not have a colour, also check your needle is not bent or damaged.
2. Tear off the paper tab and push the needle with the cap on to your pen, turning until it is tight. Once you are ready to inject, remove the outer cap (you will need it later) and then the inner cap (you can dispose of this)
3. Prime your pen (check the flow before you inject) by turning the dose selector to ‘flow check’, two dots and a line should show in the dose window. Point the needle up to the air and press the dose button until it hits 0. Once you see a small drop of medication at the tip, this means your pen is primed and ready to use.
If there’s no medication at the tip of the needle, follow the priming instructions again with a new needle, alongside any additional information in your user manual.
4. Set your dose by turning your dose selector, making sure it lines up with the dose pointer (the small arrow beside the window).
5. Choose your injection site. Insert the needle into your injection site, and hold the button down until it reaches 0. You may hear a click when the injection starts.
6. Count to 6 before removing the needle. You may hear another click as you count down from 6 when the dose pointer returns to 0.
7. Remove the needle from your skin. It is normal to see a small drop of medication from the needle tip upon removal.
Once you have finished injecting, get rid of your needle carefully by attaching the outer needle cap and disposing of it in the sharps bin, then store your pen away safely. If you see blood after you pull out the needle, lightly press the injection site with gauze or a cotton ball. Do not rub the injection site.
Liraglutide
1.Check the name and colored label of your pen to ensure you have received the correct medication and dose, pull off the pen cap.
2. Look through the pen window to check that the solution in your pen is clear and colourless.
3. Prime your pen: Using a new needle, tear off the paper tab and attach it to the pen until it is on tight. Remove both caps nut keep the outer needle cap for safely disposing of the needle after injection. Check the flow of your pen by turning the dose selector (the knob at the end of your pen) until the dose counter (the window to the left of it) shows the flow check symbol which is 2 short lines and 1 long line ( - - – ). Hold the pen pointing upwards and press and hold the dose button until it reaches 0 and a small drop of medication appears.
If no drop of mediations appears, repeat the priming step again using a new needle. For further guidance on what to do if this still does not work, check your user manual included with your patient information leaflet.
4. Select your dose and make sure you know the dose you will be using, for example 0.6 mg should show in your dose window if that is the dose you need to use. You should hear a click once you select your dose. Do not set the dose by counting the clicks you hear, the dose pointer must point up with the required dosage shown in the dose window.
5. Inject your dose by inserting the needle into your skin in your chosen injection site, make sure you can see the dose window.
6. Count to 6 to ensure all of the medication is delivered.
7. Remove the needle from your skin.
After you have injected your dose, remove the needle carefully from your skin then carefully push the outer cap onto the needle, remove the needle from the pen and dispose of it in your sharps container. Then, put the pen cap on your pen and safely store it away. If you see blood after you pull out the needle, lightly press the injection site with gauze or a cotton ball. Do not rub the injection site.
What happens when you stop taking weight loss injections?
When you stop taking weight loss injections you will not immediately regain all of the weight you lost, but you may experience an increase in appetite and weight gain. This is because the medication will stop reducing your appetite, so you may find yourself eating more food. It is important to keep up with regular exercise, a healthy diet and any other complementary lifestyle changes you’ve made to assist your weight loss journey to make sure you keep the weight off.
Efficacy and benefits of weight loss injections
Weight loss injections are highly effective medications that can make your weight loss journey a lot easier. They are typically prescribed to people who struggle to lose weight through lifestyle changes alone, such as following a healthy diet and exercise plan.
The benefits of weight loss injections include:
- feeling fuller for longer
- the body converting sugar to energy more efficiently
- lower blood sugar levels
- a minimally invasive treatment (compared to surgery)
- more effective results (compared to weight loss tablets or no treatment)
| Type | Effectiveness | |
|---|---|---|
| Wegovy | Injection |
83.5% of people lose at least 5% of their starting weight after 68 weeks |
| Mounjaro | Injection |
Up to 96.3% of people lose at least 5% of their starting weight after 72 weeks |
| Orlistat | Tablet |
37% of people lose 5% or more of their starting weight after 12 weeks |
| Mysimba | Tablet |
People lost an average of 8.1% of their starting weight after 56 weeks of treatment |
Do weight loss injections work for everyone?
Weight loss injections work for most people, and are usually well tolerated. Clinical trials have shown over:
- 90% of patients lose at least 10% of their starting body weight over 72 weeks on Mounjaro
- 78% of patients lost at least 10% of their starting body weight over 68 weeks on Wegovy
- 27.4% of patients lose at least 10% of their starting body weight over 56 weeks on liraglutide (generic Saxenda)
While weight loss injections are highly effective in supporting many people’s weight loss journeys, they may not be right for everyone. Weight loss injections are only suitable for overweight people, with a BMI over 30 or a BMI over 27 with weight-related health issues such as high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes.
At ZAVA, our doctors will make sure that any weight loss injections will only be prescribed if it is determined they are safe and appropriate for you. This decision will be based on an assessment of your medical history by doctors who are licensed to practise in the UK.
What is the safest weight loss injection?
All weight loss injections are safe and approved for use, however one may be more suitable for use than the other depending on your needs. If you have a health condition, your doctor should be able to advise you on which treatment is safest for you.
Here is a comparison of side effects across all weight loss injections available at ZAVA:
Very common and common side effects
Very common side effects (may affect more than 1 in 10 people) of liraglutide, Wegovy, and Mounjaro include:
- feeling sick (nausea)
- being sick (vomiting)
- diarrhoea
- constipation
- headache
- stomach pain (only Wegovy and Mounjaro)
- feelings of weakness or tiredness (Wegovy only)
Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people) of liraglutide, Wegovy, and Mounjaro include:
- indigestion
- heartburn or acid reflux
- stomach bloating
- wind (flatulence)
- belching
- dizziness
- injection-site reactions (itchiness or redness)
Liraglutide may also cause:
- dry mouth
- feelings of weakness and tiredness
- difficulty sleeping in the first 3 months of treatment
- rash on your skin
- low blood sugar more commonly when used alongside type 2 diabetes treatment
- increase in pancreatic enzymes, which can lead to pancreatitis
- gastritis (inflammation of your stomach lining)
- discomfort or pain in your stomach
- changed sense of taste
- gallstones
Wegovy may also cause:
- change in skin sensation
- hair loss
- gastritis (inflammation of your stomach lining)
- discomfort or pain in your stomach
- changed sense of taste
- gallstones
Mounjaro may also cause:
- feelings of weakness and tiredness
- allergic reactions such as rash, itching and eczema
- low blood pressure
- hair loss
Serious side effects
Common serious side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people) of Wegovy include:
- complications of diabetic eye disease (diabetic retinopathy)
Uncommon serious side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people) of liraglutide, Wegovy, and Mounjaro include:
- inflamed pancreas (pancreatitis)
Wegovy can also cause kidney or bladder stones.
Rare serious side effects (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people) of liraglutide, Wegovy, and Mounjaro include:
- severe allergic reactions such as angioedema or anaphylaxis
Wegovy can also rarely cause hip fractures.
Call 999 immediately if you or someone else gets signs of a severe allergic reaction. Symptoms may include:
- sudden swelling of the face, lips, throat or mouth
- difficulty breathing or breathing very fast
- a fast heartbeat
- a tight throat or struggling swallow
- sudden confusion, drowsiness or dizziness
- fainting and not waking up
- for children, being floppy or limp and not responding like normal
- a swollen, raised or itchy rash
A severe allergic reaction can be life-threatening and requires urgent hospital treatment.
Long term side effects of weight loss injections
All weight loss injections are safe and approved for long-term weight loss treatment. Experiences with weight loss injections can look different depending on your personal conditions, circumstances, and requirements.
Please note: weight loss injections are being monitored by doctors and long-term side effects are still being investigated. Always report side effects to your doctor.
Mounjaro
Rare long term side effects of Mounjaro include increased risk of kidney injury or failure. This is due to the side effects of nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea which can cause dehydration and impact the kidneys. One way to reduce this risk is to stay hydrated and speak to your doctor if you have severe vomiting and diarrhoea and cannot keep fluids down.
Some more serious side effects of Mounjaro include pancreatitis and gallstones. These can cause long-term complications, especially if not treated early. Long-term studies into the risk of these side effects are ongoing and your doctor will not prescribe Mounjaro if you have a history of these conditions.
Wegovy
Information on long term effects with Wegovy are still being studied. Current studies have shown that there is an increased risk of inflammation of the pancreas, in addition to increased gastrointestinal related symptoms.
Liraglutide
A clinical trial on liraglutide extended over 2 years found in the first year that liraglutide presented similar negative gastrointestinal experiences for patients, in addition to an increase in reported mood changes (psychiatric disorders were slightly more frequent). However, from the 2 year extension data study on long-term safety, no new adverse events were observed.
If and when you stop taking weight loss injections, you have to be sure to continue the lifestyle changes you adapted to during your treatment to sustain your progress. If you have pre-existing conditions that you feel may increase your chances of experiencing long-term side effects of weight loss injections, you should discuss this with your doctor and decide whether weight loss injections may be right, safe, and suitable for you.
What weight loss injection has the best reviews?
Wegovy and liraglutide both have average reviews of 7.5/10 on Drugs.com. 64% of reviewers out of a total of 418 reviews had positive experiences with Wegovy, and out of 1,444 reviews for Saxenda (liraglutide), 67% reported positive experiences.
Mounjaro has scored the best on Drugs.com, averaging 8.5/10 from a total of 1,062 reviews. 80% of reviewers reported positive experiences.
How much do weight loss injections hurt?
“Although there is a little pain involved with self-injecting weight loss treatments, it is not the same as having an injection for a vaccination for example. Weight loss injection pens use a smaller needle and only need to inject below the skin and not into muscle tissue, like vaccinations do.”
Dr Babak Ashrafi
Clinical Lead for Service Expansion
Accreditations: BSc, MBBS, MRCGP (2008)
Accreditations: BSc, MBBS, MRCGP (2008)
Where can I buy weight loss injections in the UK?
Weight loss injections are available to request from trusted online doctor services like ZAVA. Alternatively, you can consult your doctor if you think weight loss injections could be right for you. To receive treatment with weight loss injections either online or with the NHS in the UK you will need to meet certain requirements to ensure they will be safe and effective for you.
How to buy weight loss injections online?
You can order weight loss injections online from online doctor services like ZAVA. If you are overweight, you can request medications such as Wegovy through our online doctor service, simply:
- Fill in a short online assessment about your health.
- One of our doctors will approve treatment if it is suitable for you.
- If approved, your treatment will be delivered discreetly and directly to your door in unmarked packaging.
Can you get weight loss injections on the NHS?
Yes, weight loss injections such as Wegovy and Mounjaro are available on the NHS. You may need to get an appointment with a weight management specialist first, and weight loss injections will usually only be prescribed if:
- you’ve tried weight loss without medication first
- you’ve tried treatments like orlistat first
- weight loss surgery isn’t possible for you
- you have a BMI of between 30 kg/m² and 35 kg/m² and a health problem that can affect your weight, such as diabetes
- you have a BMI of 35 kg/m² or more, even if you do not have a weight related medical condition
Can you get weight loss injections over-the-counter?
No, you cannot get injections for weight loss over-the-counter. Weight loss treatment must be prescribed to you by a doctor. A doctor needs to make sure it is safe for you to take weight loss medication before prescribing it.
We want to provide you with long-term support during your weight loss journey
This is why you will not only receive your medication, but also a free support package when you start weight loss treatment with us. In this detailed nutrition and lifestyle guide, we:
- provide you with comprehensive information on the role of nutrition and exercise during your weight loss journey
- give you practical tips you can use in your everyday life
- offer trackers and planners to download so that you can easily keep monitor your progress
Start a Request for Weight Loss Treatment
Can you get weight loss injections on the NHS?
Yes, weight loss injections such as Wegovy and Mounjaro are available on the NHS. You may need to get an appointment with a weight management specialist first, and weight loss injections will usually only be prescribed if:
- you’ve tried weight loss without medication first
- you’ve tried treatments like orlistat first
- weight loss surgery isn’t possible for you
- you have a BMI of between 30 kg/m² and 35 kg/m² and a health problem that can affect your weight, such as diabetes
- you have a BMI of 35 kg/m² or more, even if you do not have a weight related medical condition
Can you get weight loss injections over-the-counter?
No, you cannot get injections for weight loss over-the-counter; weight loss treatment must be prescribed to you by a doctor. A doctor needs to make sure it is safe for you to take weight loss medication before prescribing it.
Weight loss injections reviews
- Wegovy has a score of 7.1 out of 10 on drugs.com, based on user reviews. Reasons for positive reviews include weight loss results and improvement of related conditions such as high blood pressure and pre-diabetes. Reasons for negative Wegovy experiences include side effects such as nausea, constipation and other stomach issues.
- Mounjaro for weight loss has a score of 8.9 out of 10 on drugs.com, based on user reviews. Reasons for positive reviews included improvement in weight and mood and ease of a weekly injection. Reasons for negative Mounjaro experiences include side effects such as nausea, diarrhoea and weakness.
- Liraglutide has a score of 7.5 out of 10 on drugs.com, based on user reviews. Reasons for positive reviews include satisfaction with weight loss results and relief at ease of self-injection. Reasons for negative Liraglutide experiences include side effects such as gastrointestinal problems and negative impacts on mental health.
Weight loss injections vs pills
Weight loss injection pens and pills are both effective for helping you lose weight, especially alongside a weight loss plan that includes healthy lifestyle changes. However, the right one for you will depend on your individual preferences, medical history and whether these treatments are safe and appropriate for you.
How to take them
Weight loss pens are usually injected into your abdomen, thigh or upper arm. Some people may find that injections are uncomfortable for them, especially daily injections.
Weight loss pills are swallowed 2 to 3 times per day, usually after each major meal. This can be a lot more convenient for people who struggle with injections.
How they work
Weight loss injections work by suppressing your appetite, reducing your caloric intake as you have to eat less food to feel full.
Not all weight loss pills work the same. The most common weight loss pills (orlistat and Xenical) work by reducing the amount of fat your body absorbs from food, passing it through your stool as waste. Some weight loss pills (Mysimba) are also appetite suppressants.
Effectiveness
Weight loss injections typically lead to a higher amount of weight loss, compared to weight loss pills. Weight loss injections also tend to work faster, with weight loss results being seen more quickly than with pills.
Are weight loss injections safer than pills?
Both weight loss injections and pills are safe to use if prescribed by a doctor and are designed to be used over a long period of time. Neither is necessarily ‘safer’ than the other. A doctor will only prescribe these medications if they are considered to be safe and appropriate for you based on your medical history and regular check ups can help you manage or prevent side effects.
Which weight loss injection should I choose?
Weight loss injections are safe and effective medications for most people, but it can be hard to figure out which one is right for you.
When considering effectiveness and budget, Mounjaro is a highly effective treatment which is more budget-friendly over time than Wegovy. As your dosage is gradually increased, the price does not increase as much as it does with Wegovy, although they are similar prices generally.
If budget is something that is making you unsure about whether to begin your weight loss journey with weight loss injections, or if you are still unsure about injecting yourself, weight loss tablets could be an option for you. Although these are less effective, they are often cheaper. You can request weight loss tablets like alli, for example, over-the-counter.
Start a Request for Weight Loss Treatment with Free Medical Check-ins & Weight Loss Support
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to exercise while taking weight loss injections?
Yes, exercise is an important part of weight loss injection treatment. Weight loss injections don’t work by themselves, they need to be used alongside a healthy diet and exercise plan.
Can you drink alcohol on weight loss injections?
Yes, but there are some considerations. Alcohol can lower your blood sugar which can make side effects of weight loss injections worse. Alcohol also contains a lot of calories and can lead to binge drinking. It’s generally a good idea to minimise alcohol intake during treatment.
Who shouldn't take weight loss injections?
Weight loss injections aren’t suitable for everybody and in some cases they may be unsafe depending on medications you are taking or pre-existing medical conditions.
Weight loss injections may not be recommended for:
- people taking certain medications, such as diabetes medications (including insulin) and immunosuppressants
- pregnant or breastfeeding women
- those with pancreatic disorders, such as pancreatitis
- those with a history of thyroid cancer
- those with a history of gallbladder disease
You should speak to your doctor about any conditions or medications before taking any weight loss injection.
How much do weight loss injections hurt?
Although there is a little pain involved with self-injecting weight loss treatments, it is not the same as having an injection for a vaccination for example. Weight loss injection pens use a smaller needle and only need to inject below the skin and not into muscle tissue, like vaccinations do.
Zoe initially studied biological sciences at Aston University, with an integrated placement year working as a mental health care assistant and volunteering abroad. After completing her first degree, she went on to study graduate-entry medicine at Warwick University. After graduating as a doctor, she worked within the West Midlands in Urology, Respiratory Medicine, Infectious Disease, and Psychiatry before transitioning into a full-time medical communications role. Zoe currently works as a freelance medical writer and editor for various health communications agencies, charities, pharmaceutical companies, and health organisations.
Last reviewed: 27 Feb 2025
Sources
- Saxenda, EMC[Accessed 2 January 2025]
- Wegovy, EMC [Accessed 2 January 2025]
- Mounjaro, EMC [Accessed 2 January 2025]
- Nevolat, EMC [Accessed 27 February 2025]
- Adverse Events Related to Tirzepatide, National Library of Medicine [Accessed 2 January 2025]
- Liraglutide for weight management: a critical review of the evidence, National Library of Medicine [Accessed 2 January 2025]
- Mounjaro User Reviews & Ratings, Drugs.com [Accessed 2 January 2025]
- Saxenda User Reviews & Ratings, Drugs.com [Accessed 2 January 2025]
- Wegovy User Reviews & Ratings, Drugs.com [Accessed 2 January 2025]
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- Weight Loss Injections on the NHS
- How Do Weight Loss Injections Work?
- Are weight loss injections safe?
- Weight Loss Tablets
- Best Weight Loss Pills
- Mounjaro vs Ozempic
- Wegovy vs Mounjaro
- Wegovy vs Ozempic
- Wegovy vs Saxenda vs Ozempic
- Diabetes Medication For Weight Loss
- Ozempic For Weight loss
- Trulicity for Weight Loss
- Rybelsus for Weight Loss
- Victoza for Weight Loss
- Semaglutide for Weight Loss
- Liraglutide for Weight Loss
- Peptides for Weight Loss
- Orlos for Weight Loss
- Weight Loss Plateaus
- Unhealthy drinks
- What Foods To Avoid When Taking Wegovy
- Switching From Saxenda to Wegovy
- Liraglutide Side Effects
- Ozempic on the NHS
- Ozempic Side Effects
- Weight Loss Injections Side Effects
- BMI Calculator UK
- Switching from Wegovy to Mounjaro
- What is Food Noise?
- Ways to Curb Food Cravings
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